[WWI] Johann Dierle and Hans Hofaker

[jmikl2957 at comcast.net]

It's amazing what you can find out with a little help from your friends--and the resources of the authors for Grub Street.

Johann Dierle of Kest 4b was shot down on 20 Jun 18 near Oberndorf, presumably by a gunner on a French bomber.  At least the eyewitness reported a battle with French aircraft.  However, Frank Bailey's French Air Service War Chronology notes that the only French claim that day was by Bos and Digeon of Sop270, an artillery unit.  Does that mean that the victor was not French, but actually a member of the British Independent Force?

Hans Hofaker was killed on 30 Nov 17 on his first flight over the lines.  There were no French claims that day.  Checking with the internet, the place where he fell was Havrincourt, which is about 15 miles due north of St. Quentin, which makes likely the supposition that his victor was British not French.

A little more research should nail this one down.

Thanks, guys!
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